8 Best Places to Visit in Miami

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Tanya Byelova
March 26, 2022

Miami is located in southern Florida and is one of the hippest and most popular cities in the state. Miami and its neighboring Miami Beach represent both the old and new sides of Florida. The busy contemporary city core contrasts sharply with the much more relaxed ambiance of Miami Beach.

Explore art-filled neighborhoods, visit exotic animals, go shopping, lay on the beach, dine on delicious seafood, and find more interesting things to do in Miami.

South Beach is the most exciting of Miami's beaches, noted for its Art Deco District and ultra-trendy pedestrian boulevard that runs along to the beach and is packed with water-facing outdoor eateries, entertainment, and lots of things to do. It's also a favorite Florida honeymoon location.

Flagler Street in downtown Miami is home to various historical sites. At the same time, the Brickell area and the Design District are home to a profusion of high-end businesses and upscale cafés.

The colorful ethnic enclaves of Little Haiti and Little Havana in Miami have Caribbean influences. At the same time, the Overtown area is noted for its strong African-American heritage and hearty soul cuisine.

The Vizcaya Museum and old mansions built of coral rock may be found in Coconut Grove.

1. Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove, founded in the 1800s, is Miami's oldest continuously inhabited town and remains a lovely, bayside village in the center of the city's busy metropolitan ambiance.

The pedestrian-friendly village core of Coconut Grove is surrounded by sunny sidewalk cafés, exquisite art galleries, and smart, independent businesses, lending the little hamlet a laid-back bohemian vibe. Sip coffee in the sun and unwind at one of the cafés while watching the world go by.

Hiking, biking, and picnics are popular activities at Coconut Grove's open-air parks with views of the bay, including Kennedy Park, Peacock Park, and the Barnacle Historic State Park.

2. Jungle Island

Jungle Island is one of the most modern and interactive zoological parks on Watson Island. Visitors of all ages can get up close and personal with a wide range of fascinating creatures and birds from across the world.

Jungle Island was founded in 1936 as Parrot Island with the intention of allowing birds to "fly free," but it has since expanded to include a variety of creatures like rare twin orangutans and the world's only trained cassowary. The theme park includes a range of intriguing and interactive exhibits, displays, and animal and bird habitats.

The Parrot Bowl has a diverse collection of birds from all over the world, including the Andean condor and the king vulture, while the Serpentarium is a reptile paradise, complete with snakes, lizards, and snapping turtles. Visit Hercules, the 900-pound liger (a mix between a lion and a tiger), or take the kids to the contact zoo, where they can engage with a variety of domestic and exotic animals, including red kangaroos. One of Miami's most popular attractions is Jungle Island.

3. Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park was once known as the Royal Palm Park and was built in 1896. Because it's the original meeting spot for the Greater Miami neighborhoods, there are a lot of visitors who come to play or rest.

Visitors who visit Bayfront Park now will find a massive 32-acre green paradise right in the middle of Downtown Miami. Families flock here in vast numbers to enjoy the fresh seaside breezes while relaxing, exercising, or playing a simple ball game.

A large bay walk, a sandy beach area, open grass spaces, and a performance venue are among the amenities. You'll see numerous beautiful statues by famous artist Isamu Nogushi as you go through the park.

4. Bayside Marketplace

Bayside Marketplace is a large retail complex on Biscayne Boulevard that offers a wide range of stores, restaurants, entertainment facilities, and services.

The mall has all of the major brand name retailers, smaller boutiques, shops, stalls, and a lot of places to eat and drink, ranging from fine dining to fast food. Cash ATMs, visitor information, and ticket sales for area attractions are available at Bayside Marketplace, as are newspaper vending and taxi services, weekend valet parking, and wheelchair rental.

A number of Miami's top sightseeing and tourist sites, including Jungle Island, the Miami Art Museum, the Miami Seaquarium, and the Children's Museum, are within walking distance of the Bayside Marketplace.

5. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a popular attraction located in the Coconut Grove district. It was originally built in the early 1900s as a winter house for businessman James Deering.

It now functions as a museum, housing works of art ranging from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Recent visitors were impressed by the mood and architecture, which were essential components of the experience. Much of the original home (which covers 38,000 feet) is still standing and has an interesting collection of old furnishings. However, for many visitors, the stunning gardens are unquestionably the highlight of any visit here. The gorgeous gardens, according to visitors, are reminiscent of historic European houses.

You may explore the attraction at your leisure or get an audio tour for $5. For $5, guided 45-minute tours of the main home and grounds are also offered. Daily tours are available at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30 p.m.

6. Miami Seaquarium

The Miami Seaquarium, which is dedicated to wildlife conservation and the rehabilitation of injured or orphaned sea creatures, provides visitors with a unique perspective on a traditional aquarium. Yes, you will be able to appreciate a diverse range of marine life in various tanks and enjoy some incredible up-close-and-personal animal interactions, such as Meeting a Dolphin or even swimming with these amazing sea animals.

Other activities include:

  • petting animals in the petting pool and stingray pool
  • meeting a penguin on Penguin Isle
  • participating in a Seal Swim

You will also view and learn about critically endangered creatures such as the Manatee and various marine turtle species.

7. South Beach

The South Beach district of Miami Beach is a dazzling display of nightlife that lasts all day.

It's hip and quirky, and - oh, keep an eye out for that man on roller skates – it's just a good time to be in general.

South Beach has always attracted the wealthy, the famous, and the young, but it is now renowned across the world as a destination that is worth a stay or a visit by everyone.

If you want to do it all in one day, you may visit the beach, the iconic Art Deco buildings of South Beach, and the superb oceanside eating.

Don't forget to visit Haulover Park, where you may go fishing, play tennis, golf, or take a bike ride.

Miami Beach's South Beach is a must-see destination that must be seen firsthand.

8. Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale is well-known for its beaches, as well as its arts, culture, and special events. This is the "Venice of America," offering everything from shopping on Las Olas Boulevard to gondola rides on the canals to a historic riverside.

Just two miles north of Port Everglades, you'll find Fort Lauderdale's planted beachfront promenade, complete with its iconic white wave wall and paved brick path, as well as luxury hotels just across the street from the beach.

Explore the shopping and eating options along Las Olas Boulevard, as well as the city's historic areas. Traveling a water taxi down Fort Lauderdale's Millionaires Row gives a spectacular view of the homes and yachts that line the waterfront.

The Stranahan House, a restored 1900s residence decorated with antiques from the era, is well worth a visit. To get to the Arts and Entertainment District, you can either "follow the red brick path" of the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, which is a beautiful park.

Trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean, or getting a workout and nutritious meal at a resort spa, is a great idea. If you're looking for a little excitement, travel westward to take an airboat into The Everglades.